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Cardinals starters sluggish early, make big plays vs. Bears

The starting offense punted on their first two possessions. 

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) passes the ball against the Chicago Bears at University of Phoenix Stadium. (Photo: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

The Arizona Cardinals gave their starters a little more work than originally planned, but it was needed.

Both the offense and the defense played into the second quarter, and they did not look good until then.

The starting offense punted on their first two possessions. The offensive line got very little push up front. Carson Palmer was pressured on multiple throws.

The defense gave up 80 rushing yards, 77 to Tarik Cohen. The Bears scored on a field goal and were in position to score again.

The second quarter is when things changed. Tyrann Mathieu intercepted a third-down pass. The offense turned that into a touchdown. Twice they converted on third down and the touchdown itself came in fourth down.

That was all for the starters on both sides of the ball.

Palmer completed nine of 14 passes for 67 yards and a touchdown. David Johnson and Chris Johnson combined for only 11 yards on seven carries. /

Defensively, the Cardinals held Chicago to one of three on third down, but allowed 80 yards on the ground and 40 passing yards by Mike Glennon before the Mathieu interception.

In all, a rough start with a good finish. There are things to be happy about, kinks to work out and questions that will be asked.

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